Tech CEO dies at 40 after 200-foot fall at US national park
The chief executive officer of an American software company fell to his death while canyoneering in Utah. He was 40.
Justin Bingham's firm, Opiniion, announced his passing in a post on its website, saying that he "was involved in a tragic accident while enjoying one of his greatest passions—exploring the outdoors."
"Despite the best efforts of over 50 team members of various rescue teams, he passed away on the night of Saturday, Oct 5, 2024," it said.
The company described its boss as a "visionary who believed in the power of genuine connections, both with our clients and within our team."
"His commitment to building meaningful relationships made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," it said. "Justin’s spirit of adventure and dedication to living life fully will be deeply missed."
In an Oct. 5 press release, the National Park Service (NPS) announced the death of "one canyoneer" after an accidental fall near the exit of Heaps Canyon at Zion National Park.
Without identifying Justin in the release, the NPS said he was canyoneering with three others when he fell around 200 feet at approximately 6 p.m.
The park's search and rescue team and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene and rendered emergency medical care.
Bingham was extracted by a helicopter, where he received additional aid, but was pronounced dead before he could be transported to a hospital.
Devin Shurtleff, Opiniion co-founder and chief operating officer, will take over as interim CEO, according to the company's website post.
Shurtleff called Bingham "the eternal optimist." He also acknowledged him as a mentor, dad, and friend "to many of us."
"‘Everything is always going to work out.’ He told me so many times... But he was right and it usually did," Shurtleff said. "He believed that the relationships we build are what make this work meaningful, and he truly lived that every day.”
Bingham is survived by his wife Lindsay and their four children.